Kernels split double-header at Kane County

GENEVA, Ill. - The Cedar Rapids Kernels picked up their first victory of the Midwest League's second half Sunday, but couldn't quite put an exclammation point on what could have been a great day.

Chad Christensen went 2-for-2 with a home run, two walks and three RBIs as the Kernels knocked off Kane County, 5-0, in the first game of a double-header. The Cougars responded with two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to win the nightcap in walk-off style, 3-2.

Ryan Eades, Alex Muren and Todd Van Steensel combined for a three-hitter in the opener. Muren (2-1) got the win with two shutout relief innings.

Newcomer Alex Swim singled home Mitch Garver with the go-ahead run for the Kernels (1-3 second half) in the top of the seventh, but reliever Hudson Boyd (4-2) allowed a leadoff home run to Jacob Rogers in the bottom of the inning.

Jeimer Candelario then walked and went to third on a one-out single by Cael Brockmeyer. Trey Martin walked to load the bases, and Jacob Hanneman singled to right to win it for KC (3-1 second half).

Fernando Romero and Jared Wilson had combined to throw two-hit baseball over the first six innings for Cedar Rapids, which has Monday off then begins a three-game series Tuesday at Peoria.